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Shared micromobility firm Veo is entering the retail scooter market with the launch of the Veo Cosmo X. The Veo Cosmo X is a seated, pedal-less e-scooter and it will be available in the US. Previously, a couple of shared micromobility firms have attempted selling their e-scooters with measured success. Veo hopes to deliver the Cosmo X in batches with the first batch of 1,000 units planned to be released this year.
Veo secured New York City’s e-scooter permit that allowed it to operate its shared micromobility service. Veo’s competitor, Bird had previously attempted to sell its own e-bike with little success. Veo is adopting a sequential approach due to the high failure rate of such a venture. It hopes to gauge customer interest before plunging into the full-scale rollout of the Cosmo X.
According to Candice Xie, Veo CEO and co-founder, the reason why the brand was unveiling the Cosmo X was because it felt the timing is right. Veo currently has millions of users on its shared micromobility platform, with tens of millions of trips already completed. The Cosmo X is one of Veo’s most popular vehicle types in all markets. The Veo shared micromobility service uses e-bikes, pedal bikes, and electric kick scooters, and is available in 50 markets across the US. The company has had positive feedback and requests from its customers about purchasing the Cosmo X. Veo is therefore confident that the new shift in its operation will be viable.
The Cosmo X is the same scooter that is used for its shared micromobility service. Therefore, Veo says it has avoided the pitfalls that consumed the Bird VanMoof model. VanMoof’s mistakes were due partly to quality issues. Candice Xie further stated that Veo will use its extensive network of service and distribution centers across the US for the Cosmo X. The company also plans to expand its network and offer more form factors apart from e-scooters.
The Veo Cosmo X starts at $3,499 and its lead time is about three months. The cheaper version, the Cosmo S costs $2,899 and will be out by September. Veo is offering a free detachable basket and helmet for buyers who purchase during the pre-order period.
Techcrunch.com